This is a 4,460-acre Fish Management Area located by the town of Lake Panasoffkee. Panasoffkee is unusual; a true spring-fed lake, water depths seldom exceed four feet. I-75 runs along the eastern edge and C.R. 470 along the southern and western shore. A public ramp is available on the Outlet River, west of the lake on C.R. 470.

For more information on fishing conditions you can contact the Pana Vista Lodge at 352-793-2061. For information on other fish camps in the area, please call our Ocala office at 352-732-1225.

Popular species:

Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.

TrophyCatch Tracker

TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Lake Panasoffkee:

Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 24

Trophy Club (10 – 12.9 pounds): 1

Current Forecast:

The lake did experience a significant fish kill and loss of emergent and submerged vegetation this year due to Hurricane Irma. The water levels are higher than normal as well. As we get into spring, crappie fishing should start to get hot. Most fishermen drift minnows across the open-water submersed grass. Also, bass fishing should start to get better as the weather gets warmer. Shiners are a popular choice for many anglers. Fishing shiners here would be best under a cork since the lake is shallow and filled with vegetation. If you want to use artificials, locals recommend using weedless soft plastics. Texas rigged worms or swimming shad type baits would work well. Top water baits are also very popular among the locals. The key for Panasoffkee is to keep moving because there is so much habitat (submersed vegetation) that fish could be just about anywhere. Finding holes in the vegetation can pay off, as fish will often sit in or near these holes.

Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2017 Agency Regulatory Plan.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.